Diadromous Fish Adviser (D Grade), NatureScot

Position Overview

Application Deadline: June 7, 2026 (midnight)

Salary: £41,567 per year

Education Required: Degree in a relevant subject plus relevant post-graduate or work experience

Description

NatureScot is hiring a Diadromous Fish Adviser at D Grade based in Inverness, Scotland (mainland NatureScot office with home and hybrid working considered), paying £41,567 per year on a permanent full-time contract, with applications closing midnight June 7, 2026.

NatureScot is Scotland’s nature agency, and the Biodiversity and Geodiversity Activity sits at the heart of its work to protect and restore species and habitats. The Diadromous Fish Adviser is a specialist on diadromous and other native freshwater fish, supporting Habitats Directive obligations, Environmental Impact Assessment Report reviews, and the Scottish Wild Salmon Strategy.

The Adviser provides solutions-focused advice to colleagues across the Sustainable Coast and Seas Activity on marine aquaculture and offshore renewables casework, and to NatureScot colleagues and partners on species-appropriate conservation management. The role may also supervise Master’s and PhD-level projects and assist in the delivery of new conservation initiatives for diadromous fish.

Responsibilities

• Alongside the Group Leader, serve as a national point of contact for all enquiries on diadromous fish within NatureScot from internal and external sources.
• Provide expert advice on planning and development casework, with strong emphasis on marine aquaculture and offshore renewables.
• Support advice on interactions between diadromous fish, beavers, and piscivorous predators.
• Commission and manage high-quality research on diadromous fish to underpin NatureScot’s work.
• Coordinate and contribute to the work of Government, agencies, and expert groups in Scotland and the UK to develop conservation policy and guidance.
• Assist in coordinating and delivering actions in the Scottish Wild Salmon Strategy.
• Develop effective working relationships with key stakeholders including Scottish Government, SG Marine Directorate, SEPA, Fisheries Management Scotland, Scottish Fisheries Coordination Centre, District Salmon Fishery Boards, and Fishery Trusts.
• Provide briefing materials for senior managers and Scottish Government on contentious or novel issues.
• Provide specialist expert advice on condition assessment and site management for diadromous fish in Scotland’s protected site network and the wider environment.
• Provide specialist advice on freshwater fish supporting Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, Species on the Edge, Red Listing, and species prioritisation.
• Apply and contribute to the development of procedures, guidance, and standards.
• Manage correct storage of case information through the InformedDECISION casework platform, email, filing systems, and MS Teams.

Requirements

• Degree in a relevant subject plus relevant post-graduate or work experience.
• Clear understanding of relevant conservation and licensing legislation.
• Sound understanding of diadromous fish species and all life stages, particularly Atlantic Salmon.
• Solid understanding of survey and monitoring techniques for diadromous fish and supporting habitats.
• Knowledge and experience of terrestrial, coastal, and marine industries relevant to Scotland including hydro schemes, onshore wind, aquaculture, marine energy, ports and harbours.
• Comprehensive understanding of pressures affecting diadromous fish migration including predation.
• Highly developed numeracy and data analysis skills, preferably with competence in R.
• Ability to analyse, interpret, and manage scientific information to provide informed, solution-focused advice.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and strong team-working skills.
• Experience developing and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders.
• Knowledge of NatureScot’s priorities and processes and political awareness.
• Ability to plan and manage workloads under changing priorities.
• Project management experience.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Willingness to undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
• Driving licence or other means of transport.

Preferred Qualifications

• Gaelic language (in support of NatureScot’s Gaelic Language Plan).

Additional Notes

• Permanent, full-time at 35 hours per week.
• Civil Service Pension with employer contribution of 28.97% (employee contributions 7.35%).
• 41.5 days of annual leave including 5 fixed public holidays (St Andrew’s Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and 2nd January).
• Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave.
• Death-in-service benefits.
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes.
• Access to an employee assistance programme and employee discounts scheme.
• NatureScot encourages applications from people from Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability.
• Hiring manager contact: Professor Colin Bean, Fish and Fisheries Interactions Manager, 07774 161104, colin.bean@nature.scot.

How to Apply

Apply through the NatureScot careers portal by midnight on June 7, 2026.

Required application materials:

• CV.
• Supporting statement.